Gospel: Gaudete Sunday

Today marks the Third Sunday of Advent, and the Gospel reading will be proclaimed according to St Matthew (tap here for the Sunday Mass readings from USCCB).

The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning "rejoice." This Sunday is so named because "Rejoice" is the first word in the entrance antiphon for today's Mass taken from Philippians 4:4-5: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near." Some people mark this Sunday on their Advent wreath with a pink (rose) candle instead of a purple candle. This Sunday is a joyful reminder that our salvation is near.

This week's Gospel Reading continues our Advent reflection on the person and message of St John the Baptist. Last week we heard St John speak about his relationship to the coming Messiah (Jesus). This week, we hear Jesus' message to St John the Baptist, now in prison, about the signs of the kingdom found in Jesus' ministry and Jesus' assessment of St John's role in the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel of St Matthew tells the story of St John the Baptist's arrest in chapter 14:3-12. In today's Gospel, St John sends word to Jesus from prison, asking if Jesus is the Messiah for whom he has been waiting. Jesus responds by pointing to the miracles that he has worked and invites St John and the other hearers to make their own determination. In his next breath, however, Jesus praises St John for his role in preparing the way for Jesus. Then Jesus says that all of those who work  for the Kingdom of God will be as great as St John and even greater.

Jesus' message to St John the Baptist about the signs of the kingdom being performed recalls the salvation described by the prophet Isaiah. This passage is a reminder that the beginning of salvation is already mysteriously present to us, but also yet to be fulfilled. Salvation is already in our midst as manifested in the miraculous deeds of Jesus and in the Church. But salvation is also to be fulfilled in the coming reign of God. Even as we observe our world today, we can find glimpses of God's work among us. Even more, we help to prepare the way for God's kingdom by our words and our deeds. This important message is indeed a cause for rejoicing.

Let us pray. Lord, make us an instrument of your peace.

Amen.

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The Gospel is sponsored by Jimmy Choo Man.